Sofia Martinez
Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials of modern times, but it is also a major environmental problem. It can take between 500-1000 years for plastic to biodegrade, so recycling plastic is critical to improving the environment and bettering waste management solutions. Recycling plastic can be a complicated process, as it involves a series of stages, including collecting, sorting, and reprocessing. The more plastic that is recycled, and the less that is made from raw materials, the more natural resources and energy are conserved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling rate | 10% on average, varying from country to country |
| Plastic generated in the US in 2018 | 35 million tons |
| Percentage of plastic recycled in the US in 2018 | 8.7% |
| Plastic recycled in the US in 2021 | 6% |
| Common recyclables | Paper, cardboard, batteries, glass, plastic, tires |
| Plastic types | 7 common types, ranging from 1 to 7 |
| Plastic recycling process | Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing |
| Sorting methods | Optical, manual, mechanised automated, by colour |
| Reprocessing methods | Shredding, melting, Chemical |
| Plastic recycling benefits | Conserving natural resources and energy, reducing landfill waste and pollution |
| Plastic recycling challenges | Different types of plastics, contamination, thin plastics, lack of expertise in sorting |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic collection and recycling services
Collection
The first stage of plastic recycling involves collecting plastic materials from various sources, such as residential homes, businesses, schools, and local recycling centres. Local authorities or waste management contractors are typically responsible for collecting the plastic materials. Some companies, like Mpact Recycling in South Africa, offer office and residential estate collection programmes, promoting recycling awareness and creating income opportunities.
Sorting
Once collected, the plastic waste is transported to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs). These facilities are equipped with sorting equipment, including optical sorters, to separate plastic from non-plastic materials and sort them into different types of plastic. The sorting process ensures that contaminants are removed, and the plastic is ready for further processing.
Reprocessing
In this stage, the sorted plastic is washed, ground into flakes or shredded, and further sorted if needed. It is then heated and extruded into new recycled plastic pellets. These pellets are sold to manufacturers to create new products.
Curbside Collection and Business Pickup Services
Many waste management companies offer weekly curbside collection services for residential areas and pickup services for small and medium-sized businesses. These services make it convenient for households and businesses to recycle their plastic waste regularly.
Scalable Recycling Programs for Multi-Region Businesses
Larger waste management companies often provide scalable waste and recycling programs tailored to the needs of multi-region businesses. These programs help businesses with a presence in multiple regions or countries to manage their waste streams and recycling efforts effectively.
By providing plastic collection and recycling services, companies play a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. These services empower individuals, businesses, and communities to contribute to a greener planet by properly managing and repurposing plastic materials.
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Sorting plastic from other materials
Collection and Transportation:
Firstly, plastic waste is collected from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. This includes plastic deposited into recycling containers by individuals, as well as plastic collected from local recycling centres, businesses, and schools. The collected plastic waste is then transported to the MRFs or PRFs for sorting.
Initial Sorting:
At the MRFs, the primary goal is to separate plastic from non-plastic materials. This is done using various techniques and equipment:
- Optical Sorters: These machines use optical sensors to distinguish between different types of materials, separating plastic from metal, paper, cardboard, and other non-plastic items.
- Ballistic Separators: These mechanical devices use oscillating paddles to separate rigid items (such as bottles, containers, or cans) from flexible items (such as paper, card, or plastic wrapping).
- Magnet Separators: Magnets are used to attract and separate metallic objects from the waste stream, ensuring that metals are diverted away from the plastic stream.
Further Sorting at PRFs:
Once the initial sorting is complete, the separated plastic stream is sent to PRFs for further refinement. Here, the different types of plastic are sorted from each other:
- Infrared Technology: Infrared sensors are used to identify and separate different types of plastics based on their unique chemical signatures. This technology can distinguish between various polymer streams, such as polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
- Fluorescent Markers: In some cases, fluorescent markers are assigned to specific polymers or multi-layer packaging. These markers provide a unique signal to sorting equipment, enabling the identification and separation of different types of plastics.
- Watermark and Codes: Some companies are developing invisible codes or watermarks that can be integrated into the plastic packaging. Cameras on the sorting line can read these codes to identify the packaging material, aiding in the sorting process.
Manual Sort:
Even with advanced technology, a manual sort is often conducted to ensure all contaminants have been removed. This step helps catch any plastic or non-plastic items that may have been missed during the automated sorting processes.
Testing and Quality Control:
After sorting, it is crucial to test and ensure the purity and quality of the sorted plastic. This includes conducting tests to identify the type of plastic, such as the "burn test" to distinguish between different plastics based on their smell and behaviour when burned. Additionally, samples of granulated plastic may be drawn to test for homogeneity and quality, allowing for any necessary adjustments before further processing.
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Reprocessing plastic into new products
Recycling plastic involves several steps, including collection, sorting, and reprocessing. The reprocessing stage involves washing, shredding, melting, and extruding plastic into new forms that can be used for manufacturing new products.
Collection
The first step in recycling plastic is collection. Plastic is deposited by users into recycling containers, which are collected by local authorities or waste management contractors. This can include residential, commercial, and industrial plastic waste.
Sorting
The collected plastic is then taken to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs) to be sorted. MRFs separate plastic from other materials, while PRFs sort plastic by type. These facilities use various techniques and equipment, such as optical sorters, to distinguish between different types of plastics and ensure all contaminants are removed.
Reprocessing
Once sorted and cleaned, the plastic is ready for reprocessing. This stage involves several steps:
- Shredding: The plastic is shredded into small pieces called flakes.
- Melting: The shredded plastic is then heated and melted.
- Extrusion: The melted plastic is extruded into new forms, such as pellets or strands. These pellets can be sold to manufacturers to create new products.
- Moulding: In some cases, the extruded plastic may be further processed by moulding it into specific shapes or products.
New Products
The reprocessed plastic can now be used to create new products. This stage may involve companies purchasing the recycled plastic pellets and using them in their manufacturing processes. For example, the plastic pellets can be melted and moulded into specific products or used in processes like 3D printing.
It is important to note that not all recycled plastic is of the same quality as virgin plastic. The performance and strength of products made with recycled plastic may vary depending on the percentage of recycled content. However, reprocessing plastic helps reduce the demand for new virgin plastic and diverts waste from landfills.
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The importance of cleaning and sorting plastic before recycling
Firstly, sorting is crucial because different types of plastics need to be recycled separately. At a Material Recovery Facility (MRF), plastic is separated from non-plastic materials. Then, at a Plastic Recovery Facility (PRF), different types of plastics are sorted. Sorting equipment, such as optical sorters, distinguishes between various plastics. This sorting process is essential to ensure that the different types of plastic can be processed correctly and efficiently.
Additionally, cleaning recyclables is vital to prevent contamination. Food and liquid residues on containers can contaminate other materials, rendering them unrecyclable. For example, in single-stream recycling, where paper, cardboard, and other recyclables are collected together, dirty or soaked cardboard or paper can become unrecyclable. Therefore, it is essential to empty and rinse plastic containers and scrape off any remaining food residue before placing them in the recycling bin.
Moreover, proper sorting and cleaning of plastics are critical to minimizing pollution and building a more sustainable future. Plastic waste, if not disposed of responsibly, can pose a significant environmental threat. By recycling plastic, we can transform it into valuable resources, reducing our need to create new plastic. Therefore, it is essential to follow local recycling guidelines and properly sort and clean plastics to contribute to a more sustainable planet.
Finally, it is important to note that some plastics, such as compostable plastics, are not intended for recycling. Including these plastics in regular recycling streams can cause contamination and disruption. Therefore, it is crucial to check local programs and specific instructions on plastic items to ensure proper disposal and recycling practices.
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The environmental impact of plastic recycling
Plastic recycling involves several steps, including collection, sorting, and reprocessing. The process begins with users depositing plastic into recycling containers, after which local authorities or waste management contractors transport the plastic to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRFs) for sorting. These facilities separate plastic from other materials and sort them into different types. The plastic then undergoes reprocessing, which includes washing, shredding, melting, and extrusion into new pellets, which are sold to create new products.
While plastic recycling is often promoted as an environmentally friendly practice, its environmental impact is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, recycling plastic can help keep it out of streets, parks, and oceans, reducing littering and benefiting wildlife and the environment. It also contributes to a circular economy by keeping resources in use for as long as possible, minimising pollution, and conserving energy. Additionally, recycling increases the availability of recycled plastic, enabling more businesses to incorporate it into their products and empowering consumers to make more sustainable choices.
However, the production and recycling of plastic have significant environmental impacts, including water pollution, global warming, resource depletion, and microplastic pollution. The recycling process itself can be toxic, with recycled plastics potentially containing higher concentrations of toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants, benzene, and other carcinogens. These chemicals can pose risks to human, animal, and environmental health. Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of plastic recycling is notable, with only a small proportion of plastics actually being recycled.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to reduce plastic production and adopt more sustainable alternatives. This includes investing in technologies to expand the scope of recyclable plastic materials and implementing global controls on chemicals used in plastics. By combining recycling efforts with a reduction in plastic production and the use of sustainable techniques, we can better mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step to recycling plastic is to collect it from homes, businesses, and schools. The collected plastic is then sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and/or Plastic Recovery Facilities (PRF) to be sorted. The plastic is then washed, shredded, and sorted further. Finally, the plastic is melted and formed into new pellets, which are sold to be used in new products.
Before recycling plastic at home, it is important to check what types of plastic are accepted in your area. Once you know what types of plastic can be recycled, you can start by removing any labels or stickers and washing the plastic items to remove any food or liquid residue. Then, sort the plastic by type and place it in your recycling bin.
The types of plastic that can be recycled vary by location. Most cities can recycle plastics with the numbers one or two, such as water bottles and milk jugs. Plastics with numbers three through seven, such as yogurt cups, plastic bags, and takeout containers, may require special facilities for recycling.
Plastic can take between 500 to 1000 years to biodegrade, so recycling plastic is critical to reducing landfill waste and improving the environment. Recycling plastic can also help conserve limited natural resources and energy, as plastic is made from oil.
